Owner s Manual. Jf LOCi. Universal Playback Equalizer Phono Preamplifier

Transcription

1 Millennia Music & Media Systems Owner s Manual Jf LOCi Universal Playback Equalizer Phono Preamplifier Millennia Media, FPC 4600 Missouri Flat Road Placerville, CA 95667

2 Page 2 of 16 READ THIS FIRST! Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by MILLENNIA MEDIA, FPC could void your authority to operate this equipment under the EC or FCC rules. 1. Copyright: You acknowledge that no title to the intellectual property in the LOCi is transferred to you. 2. Inspection: Inspect packing box(es), LOCi, and cable(s) for damage, unusual marks, or shortages. It is your responsibility to report damage, shortage, or misshipments in a timely manner. Millennia Media and/or its dealers will not be responsible for claims arising from damage in shipping, nor will claims for shortage or misshipments be honored, more than 10 days after ship date. 3. Read this manual carefully and completely before attempting to use the LOCi. Improper operation could result in damage to product. It is the user's responsibility to understand the safe use and operation of this device. 4. The shipping box of the LOCi system will include (1) Owner's Manual, (2) LOCi, (3) a UL approved power cord (Canada and US units only), (4) Owner's Registration Card. Fill out the Owner's Registration Card and return to Millennia Media at your earliest ability. The material contained in this manual consists of information that is property of Millennia Media, FPC and is intended solely for use by the purchasers of the equipment described in this manual. Millennia Media, FPC expressly prohibits the duplication of any portion of this manual or the use thereof for any purpose other than the operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described in this manual without the express written permission of Millennia Media, FPC. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Millennia Media, FPC. LOCi and Analog Legacy are trademarks of Millennia Media, FPC with all rights reserved. All other trademarks herein are property of their respective holders. Serial numbers are located on the left side of each unit. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS For your safety and the safety of others, be sure to read and understand all safety and operational instructions before attempting to use the LOCi. WARNING: The LOCi internal circuitry carries lethal voltages. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions, and instructions on the LOC and as described in the instructions supplied with the unit. 1. WATER, MOISTURE, AND SPILLAGE Do not attempt to use the LOCi in, near, or around water or in unusually moist environments, such as near a sink or swimming pool. Prevent liquids or any other materials or objects from spilling or falling into the LOCi unit. 2. HEAT AND VENTILATION Be sure to allow adequate ventilation to LOCi and avoid using or installing unit in close proximity to heat sources, such as heaters, stoves, radiators, power amplifiers, spotlights, or other heat-producing appliances or equipment. 3. POWER SOURCES AND POWER CORD PROTECTION The LOCi Power Supply should be connected to a power source only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the Power Supply. Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by having objects placed on it. Pay particular attention to plugs, receptacles, and the point where the AC power cord exits the LOCi. 4. GROUNDING For your safety, it is extremely important that the grounding pin of the 3-wire power cable (included with unit) be inserted into a grounding type 3-pin power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into an existing outlet, contact an electrician to install a properly grounded 3-pin power outlet, preferably that with OFI protection, if available. Features and specifications subject to change without notice Millennia Media, FPC, All rights reserved Millennia Media, FPC 4600 Missouri Flat Road, Suite 11 Placerville, CA 95667

3 Page 3 of DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE This unit should be repaired or serviced by qualified personnel whenever: The AC power cord has been damaged, or An audio cable has been damaged, or Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into any LOCi unit, or The unit does not function properly or exhibits a marked change in performance, or The unit has been abused, dropped, or damaged, or The unit has been exposed to rain or moisture 6. SERVICING Deadly voltages are found inside the LOCi chassis. The user should not attempt to repair or service this unit. All servicing and/or repairs should be referred to Millennia Media. If, after reading all instructions, precautions, and warnings, you have remaining questions, please contact Millennia Media directly before attempting to use your LOCi. Retain this owner s manual as a record of your purchase to aid positive identification in the event of loss. INTRODUCTION The LOCi Analog Legacy is a hand-crafted collection of Millennia's essential preamplifier and equalizer circuitry tailored specifically for the needs of archiving and mastering professionals, and serious audiophiles requiring a sonically uncompromised analog front-end. The LOCi is a selectable mono or stereo processing chain which can be used with virtually any modern or legacy phonograph cartridge. Any known type of legacy record pressing (78, 45, 33, etc.) can be compensated perfectly with the LOCi, including vertical groove processes. When the LOCi does not offer a precise preset compensation point or loading characteristic, the user may define virtually any custom parameter via plug-in passive components. The LOCi offers a discrete-hybrid signal path from input to output, employing both bipolar and field-effect transistors where they are best applied for Millennia's hallmark sonic invisibility and dynamic uniformity. The LOCi accepts balanced line level or phono level input via gold XLR connectors. Outputs are both XLR and RCA phono.

4 Page 4 of 16 LOC REAR PANEL (1) INPUTS: Bal Phono Input 1 / MM Conventional 3-pin female XLR input connectors for use with differential-balanced phono cartridges. Can also be used with certain line-level sources. Standard input load resistance is 47,000 ohms. This resistance can be changed by the user to facilitate different phono cartridge load requirements. See phono preamp PCB illustration on page 7. Standard input load capacitance is 470 pf. This capacitance can be changed by the user if necessary, but should not be lower than 270pF. XLR pin 2 is positive polarity. XLR pin 3 is negative polarity. Connector contacts are Neutrik gold plated. It is suggested that XLR cable connectors used with the LOCi employ identical plating. Bal Phono Input 2 /MC, Conventional 3-pin female XLR input connectors for use with all standard phono cartridges. Can also be used with certain line-level sources. Inputs 2 and 3 connect to an input transformer, the Lundahl LL9226. Phono In 3/MC RCA input. To use the RCA input connections, select MC OUT on the front panel Use your cartridge manufacturers recommended R/C loading. The cartridge loading can be modified by changing resistors and capacitors. See illustration on page 13. (2) PHONO PRE DIR OUT Buffered Direct output from the pre amp card. Post polarity and mono switching. This is the same signal fed into the compensation and filter circuits. (3) PHONO PRE TRIM OUT Adjustable, buffered signal derived from the Direct out. (4) UNBAL EQ OUT PRE TRIM Post filter and compensation circuit unbalanced signal. Available in both RCA and XLR connections. Output RCA connections are independent of input switching. (5) BAL EQ OUT POST TRIM Balanced output from the compensation and filter circuits. (6) EARTH/AUDIO GROUND JUMPER STRAP A barrier terminal which ties earth ground to audio ground. If ground hum loops are experienced when using the LOCi, removing this jumper may help. Using this jumper to lift ground, the integrity of the chassis/earth safety ground connection is never compromised. (7) AC VOLTAGE MAINS SELECTION or A power entry module with a removable fuse holder block. This fuse holder block is selectable for Volt or Volt worldwide mains powering. The fuse block contains two fuses - one fuse is in series with the hot power line while the other fuse is in series with the neutral power line. Both fuses must be installed. To change the mains voltage selection, remove IEC power connector and assure that the LOCi is not connected to mains power. With a nonconductive tool, gently pry the fuse block away from the power entry module. Remove the two fuses and replace both with type as shown below. Slide out the internal PC Board, turn it over, and reinsert the PCB so that the desired AC mains voltage appears in the viewing window. Double check that the fuses installed correspond to the AC mains voltage range which appears in the viewing window. Gently push the fuse block back until flush and snug. FUSES: For VAC mains, use two 5 x 20 mm, 1A, slow blow, 250 V, Littelfuse 218 or equiv. For VAC mains, use two 5 x 20 mm, 1A, slow blow, 250 V, Littelfuse 218 or equiv. Use only the power cord provided with the LOCi unit or equivalent U/L approved type SV, SVT, SJ, or SJT AC power supply cord. Do not defeat the third pin earth ground. If ground lifting is desired, remove the Earth/Audio Ground Jumper Strap (topic #6, above). Export units are not supplied with a power cord

5 Page 5 of 16 LOCi FRONT PANEL (1) INPUT SELECT PUSHBUTTON Switches (L&R) Select either IN - MM (Moving Magnet) connected to Input 1, or OUT MC (Moving Coil) connected to inputs 2 or 3. (2) MONO SELECT SWITCH "MONO (L+R)" Pushbutton switch (German ITT) which combines left and right inputs into a summed mono signal. When this switch is depressed and illuminated, left and right input signals are combined into a single mono signal sent to both left and right compensation and filter path inputs. (2) POLARITY REVERSE SWITCH "POL REV" Pushbutton switch (German ITT) which, when depressed and illuminated, reverses the polarity (180 degree inversion) of the right channel input signal. Use with vertical groove recordings or stereo sources which are in reversed polarity relative to each other. (4) SIGNAL PRESENT & OVERLOAD INDICATORS "SP" & "OL" Green and red LEDs (light emitting diodes) which show signal activity (green) and high-level (red). The green Signal Present LED illuminates with an audio signal level of approximately -30 dbu, and should illuminate with any normal phono input signal. The red high-level LED illuminates with an audio signal level of approximately +20 dbu at the Post EQ output XLR jacks and should only illuminate on the very highest peak levels. (5) HIGH RESOLUTION PHONO GAIN CONTROL Detented, 36-position gain control employing a Grayhill mil-spec gold plated rotary switch. Switch gain is approximately 1.5 db per step and is inter-channel matched to better than 0.08 db at all settings. After a brief warm-up period, adjustment of this switch is virtually silent. Two illuminating pushbutton switches ("A" = Green and "B" = Amber) determine the gain "range" of the rotary switch. When the pushbutton switches are not depressed and non-illuminated, the phono preamplifier gain is as printed on the front panel (9.0 db, 10.5 db, 12.0 db, etc..). When the green "A" pushbutton switch (only) is depressed and illuminated, add 18 db to the gain settings as printed on the front panel. When the green "A" and amber "B" switches are both depressed and illuminated, add 36 db to the gain settings as printed on the front panel. For example, with both pushbutton switches depressed and the rotary switch at 1:00 o'clock position, the preamp gain would be 55.5dB ( ). (6) BAND IN/OUT SWITCH "IN" Pushbutton switch which places its associated EQ band in circuit or out of circuit. There are eight bands of equalization on the LOC Analog Legacy. Four bands provide precise phono compensation, including RIAA and an unlimited number of legacy curves. Four additional bands (marked "FILTER") provide additional sculpting and repair tools. An EQ band is in-circuit when its associated band switch is depressed and LED is illuminated. Band In/Out switches are provided both for comparing a single EQ band setting versus flat-band response, and for bypassing any band entirely, such as with flat acoustic recordings. (7) FREQUENCY SELECT ROTARY SWITCH Six position rotary switch (Grayhill, gold contacts, military spec) which selects fixed high and low band frequency points. LF compensation frequencies are preset to 200, 250, 300, 400, 500/RIAA, and 700/USER (in Hz). HF compensation frequencies are preset at 10 khz to -5.0, -7.0, -9.5, -11.5, -13.7/RIAA, and /USER (in db). Where a switch is marked "USER", the user may change the value of a fixed capacitor to allow for virtually any compensation frequencies not preset on the factory stock rotary switch points. See printed circuit board diagram on page 8 for capacitor socket location (C14 on LF board and C8 on HF board).

6 Page 6 of 16 The LOCi compensation and filter circuits are based upon a unique shunt topology. This topology is unlike conventional "state variable" filters in that only one signal path amplifier is employed. Compare this with conventional filter designs employing upwards of four to seven signal path amplifiers. Fewer amplifiers means greatly improved sonic integrity. LF filter points are preset to 20, 35, 60, 100, 180, and 260 Hertz. High frequency filter points are preset to 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12 khz. (8) PEAK/SHELF SELECT SWITCH Pushbutton switch which selects LF and HF filter curve shape. When switch is depressed and LED is illuminated, EQ is shelving at 6 db per octave. When switch is not depressed, EQ is peaking with a fixed "Q" of 1.0 about the center frequency selected. (9) BOOST/CUT CONTROL Four conductive plastic rotary potentiometers offering up to +10 db of boost and -10 db of cut. Boost/Cut potentiometer has 21 detented positions for accurate repeatability and session logging. (10) PRE EQ OUTPUT TRIM Variable output from the input to the filter and compensation circuits. A setting of '0' is unity gain. This is post preamp/switching circuits, pre compensation/filter circuits. (11) POST EQ OUTPUT TRIM Variable balanced output post compensation/filter circuits. A setting of '0' is unity gain. (12) POWER SWITCH "POWER" Rocker switch for switching AC line power on and off.

7 Page 7 of 16 Phono Cartridge Loading Component Locations Standard input load resistance is 47,000 ohms. This can be changed by the user to facilitate different phono cartridge load requirements. Standard input load capacitance is 470 pf. This capacitance can be changed by the user if necessary, but should not be lower than 270pF. Channel 1 Channel 2 MC- R43/R45 MC- C17/C19 MM- R47/R48 MM- C69/C70 MC- R49/R51 MC-C32/C34 MM- R53/R54 MM- C71/C72

8 Page 8 of 16 User settings on the Low Compensation (LFL/LFR) and high compensation (HFL/HFR) boards The clockwise most (full CW) setting on the Low and High Compensation network settings (marked 700 USER and USER can be changed to a custom response by plugging in different value capacitors into the filter boards that are connected to the respective selection knob on the front panel. To change the value, unplug the unit from power, remove the top panel (12 screws) and carefully remove the capacitors from location C12/C14 and replace with selected value from table. Either socket may be used, Note that only the two OUTSIDE pins of each connector are connected. See pictures for placement. Top view low comp C12/C14 value (s) +3dB point 4.3 uf 1KHz 3.3 uf 1.3KHz 2.5 uf 1.8KHz 2.0 uf 2.15KHz 1.0 uf 3.9KHz Stock value uf (4.7uF +0.47uF) 700 Hz

9 Page 9 of 16 Top view high comp C8 value (s) Attenuation at 10KHz 5600 pf -17 db 6200 pf -18 db 6800 pf -19 db 8200 pf -20 db 9200 pf -21 db 0.01 uf -22 db uf -23 db uf -25 db Stock value 4700 pf -16 db

10 Page 10 of 16 Legacy Recordings EQ The 78 RPM record was a standard format for decades, followed by 33-1/3 RPM. While 33 RPM LP records produced after 1954 almost universally follow the EMI or RIAA standards, compensation curves used for 78 RPM records varied significantly between manufacturers and era. Via historical research and empirical testing, audio engineers have attempted to classify the myriad of legacy equalization formats. The following chart lists a small sampling of various EQ curves which have been derived from papers, audio journals, jacket information on early LPs, experimentation, and other sources for records made generally between 1925 and The audio engineer should use these numbers as a guide only. Ultimately, use your ears as the final reference for correct compensation on legacy formats. SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF 10 khz) Acoustic Recording (such as cylinders, etc.) 0 (or as required) 0 (or as required) AES standard AFRS Transcriptions or -5 Allegro Allied American Recording Society or 13.7 Angel Arizona Artist Atlantic Audiophile BBC Transcriptions BBC Transcriptions most to -5 Bach Guild Banner adjust as required Bartok Bartok , 309, Berliner speed = RPM 0 0 Blue Bird Blue Note Jazz Boston COL* -16 Brunswick rare Brunswick from Brunswick early or -16 BSI

11 Page 11 of 16 SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF 10 khz) Caedmon Caedmon Cameo inconsistent, adjust as required Canyon Capitol FDS Capitol-Telefunken Capitol Cetra Soria or -16 Cetra Coliseum Columbia* Columbia* Columbia* 1938-most Columbia* various COL* -16 Columbia* European Concert Hall Contemporary Cook Laboratories Cook Laboratories binaural inside band Coral 400 or or -16 Decca early 150 or or -6 Decca or Decca FFRR Decca FFRR Deutsch-Grammophone Dial 500 or Disc Ducretet-Thomson EMI EMI 33LP EMS Edison 0 0 Electrola Elektra

12 Page 12 of 16 SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF 10 khz) Epic thru 1954 COL* or Esoteric 400 or European Festival Folkways Good Time Jazz Gramophone HMV HMV HMV or HMV American Handel Society or -17 Haydn Society or -17 Harmony Acoustics thru 8/ Hit of the Week Kapp Kendall King Linguaphone L Oiseau-Lyre London early London up to LL or London FFRR or Lyrichord early 400 or COL* -16 Lyrichord newer Mercury thru 10/ MGM or -12 Montilla Musicraft NAB standard New Records Nocturne Oceanic COL* or Odeon early electricals 700 0

13 Page 13 of 16 SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF 10 khz) Odeon pre Oiseau-Lyre thru 1954 COL* -8.5 Okeh electricals or -8.5 Oriole inconsistent, adjust as required Orthoacoustic Transcriptions Overtone 400 or Oxford Pacific Jazz Parlophone varies with era 300 or or 8.5 Pathe inconsistent, adjust as required Period Polydor Philharmonia Polymusic Ploymusic binaural inside band RCA Victor RCA Victor early acoustics RPM later acoustics RPM RCA Victor RPM 250 or or -5 RCA Victor 1931 LP only 700 or to 10.5 RCA Victor RCA Victor or RCA Victor RCA Victor to -12 RCA Victor RCA Victor or -13 Rachmoninoff Society Radiofunken Remington Renaissance RIAA standard Riverside Romeo inconsistent, adjust as required Schirmer

14 Page 14 of 16 SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF 10 khz) Stradivari Supraphone Technicord Telefunken Transcriptions various, typical Ultraphone Urania most COL* or Urania newer Vanguard , , , COL* or Velvet Tone acoustics to 8/ Vitaphone Vitaphone motion picture Vocalion electricals VOX 500 or War Department 12 Special Services Western Electric early transcriptions Westminster pre or Westminster AES printed on jacket Westrex Zonophone early RPM 0 0 Zonophone most Per NAB standards, the nominal speed of a 78 RPM record is precisely RPM +/- 0.5%. *COL Some recordings were compensated with a roll off of khz and a modified 500 Hz turnover that requires an additional VLF boost using a 100 Hz shelving +3.0 db. Often referred to as a "Columbia curve," some sources list this at 300 Hz turnover with similar HF and VLF characteristics. Better advice: trust your ears. Signal block diagram

15 Page 15 of 16 PREAMP & SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS THD + Noise, 20 Hz - 30 khz MM In to Direct +20dBu out MM In to Pre EQ Trim +20dBu out Input Impedance selectable (resistor/capacitor) Factory Stock: 47.5k ohms & 270 pf Output Impedance 49.9 ohms, unbalanced Noise Better than -127 db EIN, flat, all outputs +30dBu out MM In to Unbal +12dBu out MM In to Post EQ +20dBu out Better than -124 db EIN, RIAA in, Unbalanced and Post EQ out. Three-pin XLR Polarity 2 = positive polarity, Pin 1 = ground +30dBu out EQUALIZER SPECIFICATIONS MC In to Direct +20dBu out MC In to Pre EQ Trim +30dBu out MC In to Unbal +12dBu out MC In to Post EQ +28dBu out The increase in THD on the MC channel is due to Transformer sweetness. Frequency Response -3 db points, Filters/Compensation out. 3 Hz to 200 khz, typical, flat Frequency Response, +/- 0.5 db 20 Hz to 50 khz typical, flat Maximum Input Level +18 dbu Maximum Output Level +30 dbu Maximum System Gain MM In to Direct out 58dB MM In to Pre EQ Trim Out 68dB MM In to Unbal Out 52dB MM In to Post EQ Out 68dB MC In to Dir Out 80dB MC In to Pre EQ Trim Out 88dB MC In to Unbal Out 73dB Maximum Filter Boost & Cut ~+/- 20 db (21 step detent) Notch Filter "Q" (Quality Factor) Q = 1.0 Low Frequency Comp Points 200, 250, 300, 400, 500/RIAA, 700/USER High Frequency Comp Points (@ 10 khz) - 5.0, -7.0, -9.5, -11.5, -13.7/RIAA, -16.0/USER Low Filter Fixed Frequencies 20, 35, 60, 100, 180, 260 Hz High Filter Fixed Frequencies 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0, 12.0 khz Peak/Shelf Selection on all Filters? Yes Bypass Selection on all Bands? Yes v ELECTRO-MECHANICAL Power Consumption 50 Watts, nominal Power Requirements 100VAC to 240VAC, 50/60Hz, selectable Fuses (2 required) 2 ea 1A with VAC mains (5x20mm, slow-blow, 250V) 2 ea 500mA with V mains (5x20mm, slow-blow, 250V) Dimensions 19" W x 15.0" D x 3.5" H Net Weight approximately 26 pounds Millennia Media reserves the right to change specifications, delivery, and pricing without notice. MC To Post EQ Trim Out 88dB

16 Page 16 of 16 WARRANTY Millennia Media will repair this product, free of charge, in the USA, in the event of defect of materials or workmanship for one (1) year following date of purchase. This warranty is extended only to the original LOC purchaser. This limited warranty covers failures due only to defects in materials and workmanship which occur during normal, intended use and does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failures which are caused by products not supplied by Millennia Media. This limited warranty does not cover failures which arise from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication, faulty installation, improper adjustment, alteration or modification of product, incompatibilities, line-power surges, acts of God, or service performed by anyone other than Millennia Media or its authorized agent. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS There are no express warranties except as listed above. Millennia Media shall not be liable for special, subsequent, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including, but not limited to: damage to recordings, archives, broadcasts, mixing consoles, or any associated equipment, downtime costs, loss of goodwill, or claims of any party dealing with purchaser for such damages resulting from the use of this product. All warranties, express and implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the applicable warranty period set forth above. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or length of time an implied warranty remains in effect. As such, the above exclusions may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which can vary from state to state. The LOCi Analog Legacy is hand-crafted in the USA Copyright 2015 Millennia Media, FPC All rights reserved.